Any business name that does not include the last name of all the individuals who own the business or a business name that suggests the existence of additional owners, such as the words “company” or “association”, is considered a fictitious business name. In the case of a corporation, a fictitious business name is any name other than the corporate name stated in its articles of incorporation. No fictitious business name may include the words “Corporation”, “Inc.”, “Incorporation” or “Corp.” unless it is a corporation registered with the Secretary of State.
Every person who regularly transacts business in this state for profit under a fictitious business name must file a fictitious business name statement form with the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office. Non-profit corporations or associations or charitable organizations do not need to file. Corporations do not need to file unless doing business under a name other than the corporate name.
Additional Information
For more information, please call the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office at 209-468-3939 or see the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office webpage.